Error code 80070570 in Outlook, often displayed as 0x80070570
, is a common Windows system error indicating that a file or directory is corrupted or unreadable. While not exclusive to Outlook, this error can appear when Outlook attempts to access necessary files, such as your email data files (.PST or .OST), system files, or during installation/updates, encountering an issue that prevents it from reading the required data correctly.
Understanding Error Code 0x80070570
The 0x80070570 error primarily signals a problem with file integrity or the storage medium itself. It typically arises when:
- Missing or Corrupted Files: A critical file that Outlook or the Windows operating system needs to function is either missing or has become corrupted. This could include Outlook's own data files, profile settings, or crucial Windows system files.
- Damaged or Faulty Drive: The hard drive or SSD where Outlook, its data files, or system files are stored might be damaged or developing bad sectors. This physical or logical damage prevents your Windows computer from correctly reading the necessary files, leading to the error message.
When this error occurs in Outlook, it means the application cannot access or process a specific file or set of files it needs to perform a task, like opening, sending emails, or managing your mailbox.
Common Scenarios Where 0x80070570 Appears in Outlook
This error can manifest in various situations related to Outlook's operation:
- Opening or Accessing Outlook Data Files (.PST/.OST): If your Personal Storage Table (.PST) or Offline Storage Table (.OST) file is corrupted or located on a damaged drive, Outlook may fail to open, displaying this error.
- Outlook Installation or Updates: During the installation or updating process of Outlook, if critical installation files are corrupted or the installation directory has issues, the error can occur.
- Accessing Attachments or Specific Emails: Trying to open an email with a corrupted attachment or an email that itself is stored in a corrupted part of your data file can trigger the error.
- Profile Corruption: A corrupted Outlook profile might prevent the application from loading correctly, leading to file access errors.
- Windows System File Issues: Since Outlook relies on numerous Windows system files, corruption within these files can indirectly cause Outlook to encounter the 0x80070570 error.
Practical Solutions to Resolve Outlook Error 80070570
Addressing the 0x80070570 error in Outlook involves systematically checking and repairing potential issues with files, data storage, and Outlook itself.
Potential Cause | Recommended Solution |
---|---|
Corrupted or Missing Files | Run System File Checker (SFC) & DISM |
Damaged Hard Drive / Bad Sectors | Perform a Check Disk (chkdsk ) |
Corrupted Outlook Data Files (.PST/.OST) | Use Outlook Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe ) |
Corrupted Outlook Profile | Create a new Outlook profile |
Outdated Software | Update Windows and Microsoft Office/Outlook |
Software Conflicts (e.g., Antivirus) | Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall |
Here's a detailed approach to resolving the issue:
1. Check Disk for Drive Errors
Since a faulty drive is a common cause, the first step is to check your hard drive for errors.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Search for
cmd
, right-click, and select "Run as administrator." - Run
chkdsk
command: Typechkdsk /f /r
and pressEnter
. - Schedule Scan: If prompted to schedule the scan for the next restart, type
Y
and pressEnter
. - Restart your computer: Allow the scan to complete. This process checks for and attempts to fix bad sectors and file system errors.
2. Scan and Repair Outlook Data Files (.PST/.OST)
Outlook comes with an Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe
) designed to fix issues with your .PST
and .OST
files.
- Locate
scanpst.exe
:- The location varies by Outlook version and Windows architecture. Common paths include:
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OfficeXX\
(whereXX
is your Office version, e.g.,16
for Office 2016/2019/365)C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\OfficeXX\
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\OfficeXX\
- The location varies by Outlook version and Windows architecture. Common paths include:
- Run
scanpst.exe
: Double-click to open it. - Browse and Select File: Click "Browse" and navigate to your Outlook data file (
.pst
or.ost
). You can find the path to your data files in Outlook by going to File > Account Settings > Account Settings and then the Data Files tab. - Start Repair: Click "Start" to begin the scan. If errors are found, click "Repair."
- Repeat if necessary: Run the tool multiple times if it finds new errors on subsequent scans.
3. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM
These tools help identify and repair corrupted Windows system files that Outlook might rely on.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run SFC: Type
sfc /scannow
and pressEnter
. Let it complete. - Run DISM (if SFC finds errors):
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Run these commands sequentially, pressing
Enter
after each. These commands repair the Windows image. - Find out more about DISM from Microsoft Support
- Restart your computer after completing these scans.
4. Update Windows and Outlook
Ensure your operating system and Outlook application are fully updated. Updates often include bug fixes and stability improvements that can resolve underlying issues.
- Update Windows: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.
- Update Outlook/Office: Open any Office application (like Word or Outlook), go to File > Account > Update Options > Update Now.
5. Create a New Outlook Profile
If your existing Outlook profile is corrupted, creating a new one can resolve the error.
- Open Control Panel: Search for "Control Panel" in the Windows search bar.
- Go to Mail Setup: Change "View by" to "Large icons" or "Small icons," then click "Mail (Microsoft Outlook 2016)" (the number might vary based on your Office version).
- Show Profiles: In the Mail Setup dialog box, click "Show Profiles..."
- Add New Profile: Click "Add...", give your new profile a name, and follow the prompts to set up your email account(s).
- Set as Default: Once the new profile is configured, select "Always use this profile" and choose your new profile from the dropdown menu, then click "OK."
- Test Outlook: Open Outlook to see if the error is resolved.
6. Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall
Sometimes, overly aggressive antivirus software can interfere with Outlook's operations, leading to file access errors.
- Temporarily disable your antivirus program and Windows Defender Firewall.
- Test Outlook.
- Re-enable your security software afterwards. If this resolves the issue, consider adjusting your antivirus settings or contacting its support.
7. Reinstall Outlook (Last Resort)
If all other steps fail, a clean reinstallation of Microsoft Office or Outlook might be necessary.
- Backup Data Files: Before uninstalling, ensure you have backups of your
.PST
files. - Uninstall Office: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find your Microsoft Office installation, and click "Uninstall."
- Reinstall Office: Use your Microsoft account to download and reinstall Office.
By systematically working through these solutions, you can effectively diagnose and resolve error code 80070570 when it appears in Outlook.